Florida Highway Patrol officer Craig Gaines died of complications from a broken leg suffered during a college football game. He passed away on Sept. 19 while off duty at his home in the Tallahassee area.
It is an unfortunate but valiant testament to his grit and dedication to his job.
Gaines traveled with Florida A&M for (at least) 58 college football games in a row. He proudly stood next to head coach Willie Simmons and/or assistant coach James Colzie III each and every week.
Craig Gaines always took the field with Florida A&M at every college football game.
According to the Fraternal Oder of Police Florida State Lodge, Gaines suffered his leg injury at Florida Atlantic University on Sept. 6 on the first play of the third quarter. Florida Atlantic had just received the ball on its own 25-yard-line after a kickoff.
The broadcast shows Owls wide receiver Jayshon Platt take an end-around handoff straight up the sideline. He was pushed out of bounds after a gain of 16 yards.
Platt tried to ease up after his foot cross over onto the sideline but his momentum carried right into a collision with the state trooper. Craig Gaines stayed down for a very brief moment but he pretty quickly got up onto his feet as if the injury was not as serious as it turned out to be.
Even though the veteran police officer tried to “shake off” the hit, a further evaluation determined after the game that he had a broken leg. That is a true testament to who he was. Gaines refused to let a broken leg keep him from doing what he loves. He pushed on.
Gaines later started to feel ill at his home in northern Florida on Sept. 19 and called Florida Highway Patrol dispatch for assistance. His condition rapidly deteriorated. First responders were not successful with their life-saving measures. Craig Gaines passed away from complications from his leg injury.
Coach Simmons offered a wonderful tribute to his long-time right-hand man.
Gaines’ legacy in Tallahassee will live on forever. Not even a broken leg could keep him away from the sideline.